This week brought a lot of changes, which I’m very excited about.
Last week the project felt quite daunting and that’s coming from an experienced designer and builder!
The Fireplace Dilemma & Rethinking the Layout
To me, the fireplace seemed to be in the wrong place. I even toyed with the idea of taking it down. However, you can never truly recreate a traditional brick fireplace once it’s gone. Today’s fireplaces are typically metal inserts, and they simply don’t have the same traditional charm.
I met with my architect in my space last week, and we both looked at it and scratched our heads. The fireplace ends at a close 90 degree wall and has no symmetry to the rest of the space. Later, when I do the bigger remodel, the kitchen will be relocated. That will eliminate the kitchen peninsula that currently sticks into the hallway near the fireplace.
I recently spent a lot of money to widen the hallway, so I was really stuck at how to create a fireplace that had charming bookcases on each side and not block the walkway. After many conversations, we came up with the idea of lengthening the center beam so that we could get rid of a post that supports the fireplace wall.
Raising the Roof
Then another thought occurred to me: if we’re already going through all that effort… why not raise the roof?
I know that sounds pretty drastic, but there were already several issues. This is an original 70 year old cottage. The roof line is quite low, there is no proper heat or insulation in the roof or roof heating ducts, and the roof needs to be replaced anyway.
Because of all of this we came up with the idea that we could actually raise the entire roof 30 inches!
I’m not going to do that over the bedrooms or the bathrooms because I think there’s an intimacy to those rooms. However, the main living area and the new addition will now share the same roof line, which will make the space feel much more open and cohesive.
Expanding the Primary Bedroom
I also decided to add a small extension on the current main bedroom. It will even out the shape of the house and give it a little breathing room. This too requires some thoughtful planning.
What I’m most excited about is that there will be two windows in the extension, as well as a door, which will allow for great airflow. It is very important to have the right temperature for good sleep. Plus my kitty will love to look outside and watch the birds!
Bathroom Design Decisions
On the decor front, I am excited to say I have finalized the two bathrooms.
The guest bath, which will also act as the powder room, will have a lovely Anna French wallpaper. It has flowers and scallops that echo the pattern of tile from Ann Saks. I am also creating a nook in the bathroom around the tub and it will be very cottage-like and charming.
In my main bathroom, I am going for a slightly more modern look. The shower tile will be Miraval by Ann Saks in large tiles with very little grout so it looks like a slab. The floor will be limestone. Very clean and simple.
I am still working on the wallpaper. I don’t need that much but I’m trying to decide on the final pattern and cost!
A Quick Renovation Tip
The plumbing has just arrived, which reminded me of an important tip.
If you have a project manager, they should be responsible for checking on each piece of material delivered to your home.
If you’re doing it yourself, you need to carefully look at every box — reseal it so that no one takes anything out before they’re ready to install it. Be sure to label it clearly with where it belongs and what it’s for.
This small step can save hours of searching for tiny pieces that are essential to completing an installation.
Looking Ahead
So, there’s a lot going on at Oak Creek Cottage!
Next week the tile installation begins and vanities will arrive. Spring is in the air, and I can’t wait to show you what’s coming next.
Remember to Live Beautifully!
Xx Elizabeth
